Castleford Tigers sign Wigan Warriors forward in surprise loan deal
Castleford Tigers have added a forward to their squad just one game into the new top-flight season.
Wigan Warriors’ George Hirst will spend the next month on loan at Tigers. The move comes a day after Tigers’ 26-16 loss to Hirst’s parent club at OneBore Stadium in Betfred Super League round one.
Primarily a second-rower, Batley-born Hirst can also play at centre, prop and loose-forward. The 24-year-old joined Wigan in October, 2024, after helping Oldham to the League One title at the end of his second season there. He has yet to make his top-flight debut, but had a spell back at Oldham in the Championship last term.
Hirst played community rugby for Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury Celtic and Almondbury Spartans and represented England Community Lions at under-19 level. Wigan coach Matt Peet said the loan is “a great opportunity for George to gain experience and hopefully play some Super League rugby for Castleford”.